Towing an Auto Volvo v70 HELP!!!
Discussion
Hi all, I need to tow a Volvo V70 auto about 100 miles with an A-Frame. So the driven wheels will be in contact with the ground. There is nothing wrong with the car and I don't want to damage the gearbox.
Question... Will I damage the gearbox if the car is left running and in neutral when I tow it the 100 miles?
Question... Will I damage the gearbox if the car is left running and in neutral when I tow it the 100 miles?
Not 100% sure but.
My understanding of the laws regarding an A-frame is that they are OK to recover a car to safety, unless your towing vehicle is rated to tow an un-braked trailer the weight of your towed car.
But, surely, if you are planning to tow it 100 miles and the above is not true, then this is not the case, therefore you will need to find another way.
My understanding of the laws regarding an A-frame is that they are OK to recover a car to safety, unless your towing vehicle is rated to tow an un-braked trailer the weight of your towed car.
But, surely, if you are planning to tow it 100 miles and the above is not true, then this is not the case, therefore you will need to find another way.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...
"“A”- Frames
When an "A" frame is attached to a vehicle (e.g. a motor car) and towed by a motor vehicle (e.g.
motorhome) we believe the "A" frame and car become a single unit and as such are classified in
legislation as a trailer. As a consequence the car and “A”-frame are required to meet the technical
requirements for trailers when used on the road in Great Britain. These requirements are contained
within the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986/1078) as amended
(C&U) and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1796) as amended (RVLR).
Trailers having a combined axle mass not exceeding 750kg are not required to have brakes fitted.
However, if the trailer (regardless of mass) is fitted with a braking system, then all brakes in that
system must operate correctly. The regulations do not include design constraints on how this
should be achieved but, for example, it could be met by direct linking of the trailer brakes to the
brake system of the towing vehicle or by automatic inertia (overrun) operation via the towing hitch.
Inertia systems can only be used for trailers with a maximum combined axle mass of 3500kg.
Regulations 15 and 16 of C&U set out the braking requirements - including minimum braking
efficiencies for trailer brakes.Subject to certain age exemptions, the regulation requires the braking
system to comply with the construction, fitting and performance requirements of European
Community Directive 71/320/EEC along with its various amending Directives. Alternatively the
braking system can comply with the corresponding UNECE Regulation No.13.09.
In addition, C&U Regulation 18 requires the braking system to be maintained in good and efficient
working order. If the brakes of the towing vehicle do not directly operate the trailer brakes the use of
an inertia (overrun) system is acceptable. If the trailer braking system has power assistance (i.e.
servo or full power) it is likely that this assistance will be required while in motion to meet the
required braking efficiencies. This is because once the vacuum reservoir is depleted it is possible
that the brakes will not meet the braking efficiency. To prevent the trailer being used illegally a
remote vacuum pump, powered from the tow vehicle, could be installed to recharge the reservoir,
alternatively a source could be made available from the tow vehicle. From 1 October 1988 the
inertia braking system was required to allow the trailer to be reversed by the towing vehicle without
imposing a sustained drag and such devices used for this purpose must engage and disengage
automatically. This will be very difficult to achieve on an “A” frame using an inertia (overrun) device.
Other provisions from Regulation 15 and Regulation 86A of C&U require the fitting and use of a
secondary coupling system in which the trailer is stopped automatically if the main coupling
separates whilst the combination is in motion. Alternatively, in the case of trailers up to a maximum
mass of 1500kg, the drawbar must be prevented from touching the ground and the trailer able to
retain some residual steering.
Whilst being towed, trailers are subject to the relevant requirements given in RVLR, including the
use of triangular red reflectors. There would be further requirements for the display of the
appropriate number plate, etc.
From the above I hope it is clear that we believe the use of "A" frames to tow cars behind other
vehicles is legal provided the braking and lighting requirements are met. However, while this is our
understanding of the Regulations, it is only the Courts which can reach a definitive interpretation of
the law"
What you are proposing makes the Volvo a trailer. As it's over 750kg it must be braked. The brakes must work.
I would also suggest you consult the owner's handbook - or a Volvo specialist - & see what the correct way of towing with the driving wheels on the ground is. Should avoid an expensive mishap.
"“A”- Frames
When an "A" frame is attached to a vehicle (e.g. a motor car) and towed by a motor vehicle (e.g.
motorhome) we believe the "A" frame and car become a single unit and as such are classified in
legislation as a trailer. As a consequence the car and “A”-frame are required to meet the technical
requirements for trailers when used on the road in Great Britain. These requirements are contained
within the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (SI 1986/1078) as amended
(C&U) and the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (SI 1989/1796) as amended (RVLR).
Trailers having a combined axle mass not exceeding 750kg are not required to have brakes fitted.
However, if the trailer (regardless of mass) is fitted with a braking system, then all brakes in that
system must operate correctly. The regulations do not include design constraints on how this
should be achieved but, for example, it could be met by direct linking of the trailer brakes to the
brake system of the towing vehicle or by automatic inertia (overrun) operation via the towing hitch.
Inertia systems can only be used for trailers with a maximum combined axle mass of 3500kg.
Regulations 15 and 16 of C&U set out the braking requirements - including minimum braking
efficiencies for trailer brakes.Subject to certain age exemptions, the regulation requires the braking
system to comply with the construction, fitting and performance requirements of European
Community Directive 71/320/EEC along with its various amending Directives. Alternatively the
braking system can comply with the corresponding UNECE Regulation No.13.09.
In addition, C&U Regulation 18 requires the braking system to be maintained in good and efficient
working order. If the brakes of the towing vehicle do not directly operate the trailer brakes the use of
an inertia (overrun) system is acceptable. If the trailer braking system has power assistance (i.e.
servo or full power) it is likely that this assistance will be required while in motion to meet the
required braking efficiencies. This is because once the vacuum reservoir is depleted it is possible
that the brakes will not meet the braking efficiency. To prevent the trailer being used illegally a
remote vacuum pump, powered from the tow vehicle, could be installed to recharge the reservoir,
alternatively a source could be made available from the tow vehicle. From 1 October 1988 the
inertia braking system was required to allow the trailer to be reversed by the towing vehicle without
imposing a sustained drag and such devices used for this purpose must engage and disengage
automatically. This will be very difficult to achieve on an “A” frame using an inertia (overrun) device.
Other provisions from Regulation 15 and Regulation 86A of C&U require the fitting and use of a
secondary coupling system in which the trailer is stopped automatically if the main coupling
separates whilst the combination is in motion. Alternatively, in the case of trailers up to a maximum
mass of 1500kg, the drawbar must be prevented from touching the ground and the trailer able to
retain some residual steering.
Whilst being towed, trailers are subject to the relevant requirements given in RVLR, including the
use of triangular red reflectors. There would be further requirements for the display of the
appropriate number plate, etc.
From the above I hope it is clear that we believe the use of "A" frames to tow cars behind other
vehicles is legal provided the braking and lighting requirements are met. However, while this is our
understanding of the Regulations, it is only the Courts which can reach a definitive interpretation of
the law"
What you are proposing makes the Volvo a trailer. As it's over 750kg it must be braked. The brakes must work.
I would also suggest you consult the owner's handbook - or a Volvo specialist - & see what the correct way of towing with the driving wheels on the ground is. Should avoid an expensive mishap.
I have visions of the OP having someone in the car to operate brakes etc.
Notwithstanding the above re trailers I suspect that there are going to be issues if the vehicle and driver are not fully road legal.
Or towing it with some method of operating the brakes from the towing vehicle to comply with trailer law so leaving the engine running to get full braking power.
TBH I'd be wanting to put the Volvo on a trailer.
Notwithstanding the above re trailers I suspect that there are going to be issues if the vehicle and driver are not fully road legal.
Or towing it with some method of operating the brakes from the towing vehicle to comply with trailer law so leaving the engine running to get full braking power.
TBH I'd be wanting to put the Volvo on a trailer.
Edited by paintman on Friday 18th March 20:17
Thanks for the replies.
Bill said:
Why do you want to leave the engine running?
As I understand it auto boxes don't like being towed. I was wondering if leaving the engine running would some how protect against damaging the gearbox. Maybe it might keep the box primed with oil as I imagined the torque converter would be spinning? Jubag said:
Thanks for the replies.
The engine will drive the oil pump in the transmission, thus ensuring fluid is in all of the right placesBill said:
Why do you want to leave the engine running?
As I understand it auto boxes don't like being towed. I was wondering if leaving the engine running would some how protect against damaging the gearbox. Maybe it might keep the box primed with oil as I imagined the torque converter would be spinning? I wouldn't try this method though, as you could run into bother with the law if stopped, as effectively you have an unattended vehicle with a running engine.
Either drive it or put on a trailer/low loader
DrDeAtH said:
The engine will drive the oil pump in the transmission, thus ensuring fluid is in all of the right places
I wouldn't try this method though, as you could run into bother with the law if stopped, as effectively you have an unattended vehicle with a running engine.
Either drive it or put on a trailer/low loader
Good, that's what I thought. I wouldn't try this method though, as you could run into bother with the law if stopped, as effectively you have an unattended vehicle with a running engine.
Either drive it or put on a trailer/low loader
Problem now solved, I have taken on board the general consensus and just bought a ginormous trailer. I feel happier now.
I towed a 306 manual with an A frame one day. In fact the A frame had overrun brakes that operated the car brakes, but unbeknown to me this system had failed during the tow.
It alas ended badly on a wet roundabout. The momentum of the car lifted the back end of the 4*4 while on a corner, spinning the back end around in a massively oversteer type manner. Scary and dangerous.
I massively don't recommend this manner of towing.
It alas ended badly on a wet roundabout. The momentum of the car lifted the back end of the 4*4 while on a corner, spinning the back end around in a massively oversteer type manner. Scary and dangerous.
I massively don't recommend this manner of towing.
Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff